Surrey Care Home Centenarian Receives 100 Cards from School Pupils to Commemorate Milestone Birthday

A Surrey care home resident was delighted to receive 100 personalised cards from local primary school pupils to mark her 100th birthday.

Kings Lodge, a CHD Living Wellbeing Care Centre in West Byfleet, recently ensured birthday girl Violet Lee received many well-wishes from the local community by collaborating with Byfleet Primary school.

Cheryl Meyrick, the headteacher of Byfleet Primary, initiated a scheme where her pupils wrote and sent in 100 handmade birthday cards to personally wish Violet a wonderful day.

Kings Lodge’s Wellbeing Coordinator, Michelle Woodyatt, additionally established links with Mairi Mactaggart, a Community Champion at Morrisons Weybridge, who donated flowers, champagne, balloons, chocolates, cakes and cream scones to celebrate the special occasion.

The 100 cards and donations were presented to Violet at a small gathering spearheaded by Michelle, who put together a marvellous food spread comprising classic party food such as a selection of sandwiches, vol-au-vents and cocktail sausages on sticks.

Born on 2nd February 1922 to parents Ethel and Herbert Howe, Violet was raised in Weybridge and fondly referred to as ‘Sis’ by her peers. A keen dancer, Violet frequented the local dance halls, which is where she met her husband, Joseph. The dancing duo later got married in 1944.

Speaking at her birthday bash, Violet said: “I cannot thank the team at Kings Lodge enough for giving me the most memorable 100th birthday. Receiving 100 birthday cards from Byfleet Primary pupils was the icing on the cake. I am so grateful to have reached the age of 100 and look forward to seeing what this year brings.”

Violet additionally had some valuable advice for her young family members and future generations, with her life motto being: “Work hard, respect others and have fun along the way.”

Michelle said: “We wanted to do something special to mark Violet’s milestone 100th birthday and are delighted to have received support from the local community to achieve just this.
“Violet couldn’t be more grateful for the pupils’ cards and Morrisons’ kind donations. We at Kings Lodge aimed to throw her the party she deserved, surrounded by close family and loved ones. We hope Violet and her family enjoyed the celebration!”